Review + Giveaway: PARKROYAL on Kitchener Rd — Essentials Executed With Finesse

For a good part of one month, I have been trawling the Expedia app for the best deals on a flight and hotel combo. And so should you, because the price you pay by booking both together is much lighter on the bank account than if you were to book it separately. Not many people know of this travel hack, so you’re welcome.

Now, when I book a hotel, I will refer to the submitted reviews, if only to understand why this beautiful and lush boudoir is rated 3.5 out of 5. Or why that plain-looking, obviously 3-star property is rated 4 out of 5.

What I observed looking at honest reviews is that travellers ask for very little of a hotel. A shower with good water pressure, clean towels, rooms that don’t smell like death, spotless white sheets, and convenient amenities like, say, an iron. There are also other more peculiar expectations that the water you boil in the kettle not be salty, the hotel should be as near to the closest train station, and an exciting breakfast spread—whatever that means.

The allure of PARKROYAL

Fulfil these basic amenities and just maybe, you’ll get a one-sentence praise for a clean hotel lobby and smooth check-in process. Travellers indeed ask for very little when it comes to a stellar hotel stay, but they do indeed set sky-high expectations for the very little they demand. And honestly, if a property is unable to provide for something rudimentary like air conditioning that works silently, then why the hell are you even in this business?

Which is why properties like PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road still manages to stay afloat amidst a hotel industry that is saturated and extremely competitive. In fact, PARKROYAL Kitchener has occupied that same plot of land for the past two decades and underwent several renovations during that time. I was told that demand for rooms has been at such a high (pre Covid-19 of course) that they’ve had to release entire floors that were used as a noise buffer between completed sections and those that were still work-in-progress during the previous refurbishment works.

Essential facilities executed with finesse

So, what is Parkroyal Kitchener’s secret to success and longevity? Their formula for success is in getting the essentials not just right, but executed with finesse and entirely in service of the customer.

We’re talking rooms that light up and powered on by door sensors, which means one less step after a whole day of activities; a vending machine for your in-room mini-bar that are at prices not that dissimilar to the ones you find at NTUC; RFID luggage tags, so your personal belongings get to you faster and with less fuss; filtered water taps in all bathrooms to cut down on excessive use of bottled water; and yes, an iron and ironing board in all rooms in the property.

Oh, and I’ll be remiss if I didn’t mention the manual toilet bidet.

Manual?toilet?bidet.

There’s also a USB charger by the bedside and electrical sockets everywhere you look. So you can technically bring your entire podcast setup and stream your session live on YouTube if you so wish. Those who poo-poo at my fascination with an abundance of electrical sockets, clearly have not stayed in properties where the only outlets are at the dresser and in the toilet. I will count and thank my lucky stars, sil vous plait.

There are the usual wellness facilities, of course—a well-stocked gym, a newly renovated pool with gazebos flanking each end, and an activity studio for yogis. It’s all housed on the same floor and distinctively new having gone through some much-needed facelift from its previous iteration.

Doorstep conveniences

Being in the location that it’s at now means that the property is surrounded by vibrant and exciting activities at its doorstep. There’s Mustafa Centre a mere one minute walk away, City Square Mall for air-conditioned shopping comfort, beauty services, spas, a cinema, places of worship steeped in history, and of course a whole slew of authentic Indian cuisine from the North and South.

With such a vibrant neighbourhood at its disposal, PARKROYAL Kitchener doesn’t need any other bells and whistles to attract travellers. The neighbourhood is almost like an extension of the property itself, offering everything you could need for a brief stay, packed with all things Singaporean.

As a local guest, what could be more enticing than to have Mustafa Centre at your doorstep for a touch of the most Singaporean activity ever—shopping. I dropped by at 2 am to find a sprawling shopping complex that is less bustling with the usual daytime activities—perfect for a leisurely perusal along the aisles for toothpaste and dental floss.

Giveaway

Have I piqued your interest? Because, in partnership with Parkroyal on Kitchener Road, we are giving away one 2D1N Deluxe Room stay at PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road for two worth S$420++. This giveaway comes with complimentary breakfast for you and your guest at the hotel’s restaurant, Spice Brasserie and can be redeemed anytime between from now till 5th September 2020.

Participate in this giveaway over at our Facebook page. If you want to double your chances of winning, follow us on Instagram too!

181 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208533
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